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Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation: Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions for Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation: responsibilities, limitations, and requirements when using it for seamless order automation.

Updated this week

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation automates your order fulfillment through AutoDS-managed accounts, streamlining the entire dropshipping process. These terms and conditions establish clear guidelines for using the service, defining what AutoDS provides, your responsibilities as a user, and the limitations of the service.

Understanding these terms helps you avoid common issues with order processing, returns, and disputes while ensuring smooth automation of your dropshipping operations. When you know exactly what to expect from the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation, you can make informed business decisions and set realistic expectations for your customers.

  • Avoid disruptions such as order denials, data loss, or failed processing

  • Clearly understand your responsibilities and AutoDS's limitations

  • Make informed decisions about using the service for your business

  • Reduce misunderstandings that could impact your operations

  • Set accurate expectations for returns, refunds, and customer disputes

To learn how to set up and use the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation, visit our complete guide here.


About the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation streamlines your dropshipping operations by automating the complete order fulfillment process for supported suppliers. With this service, AutoDS manages the entire order lifecycle using our dedicated accounts, including order placement, tracking updates, and return label processing when necessary.

This automation means you no longer need to manually manage orders on supplier websites, process refunds yourself, or worry about buyer account restrictions that could disrupt your business. The service handles these tasks automatically, allowing you to focus on growing your dropshipping business while we manage the operational details.

What the service includes:

  • Automated order placement on supplier websites

  • Real-time tracking number updates

  • Return label processing when needed

  • Professional account management to avoid restrictions

  • Continuous monitoring of order status


Order fulfillment and automatic processing

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation provides automated order processing while maintaining transparency about our role in the fulfillment chain. Understanding how orders are processed helps you set appropriate expectations and configure your settings correctly.

Important clarifications about our service:

  • AutoDS is not the supplier: We automate the ordering process, but do not directly handle, package, or ship any products.

  • No control over packaging or shipping: Suppliers are solely responsible for how products are packaged and which shipping methods are used.

  • Processing timeframe: Orders typically complete within minutes, but can take up to 24-72 hours maximum, depending on supplier availability and technical factors.

  • Stock availability responsibility: If an item becomes out of stock or its price increases after you submit the order, AutoDS is not responsible. You must configure your settings to handle these scenarios appropriately

To ensure smooth order processing, configure your supplier settings to account for potential price fluctuations and stock availability issues before submitting orders.

Order edits or modifications

Once an order enters the "In Order Progress" status or has been successfully processed, the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation cannot edit or modify any order details. This limitation exists because orders are immediately entered into our automated fulfillment system, making changes technically impossible without risking order failures or duplicate charges.

Changes that cannot be made after submission:

  • Customer address details or delivery location.

  • Order quantity or number of items.

  • Buy Item IDs or product identifiers.

  • Product variants, colors, sizes, or specific items.

Critical information about order processing:

  • Information lock-in: Orders are always processed using the exact information provided on the platform at the moment of submission.

  • Price locking: As soon as the order enters the automation process, the Buy Price is locked and will be processed at that price up to the Maximum Buy Price configured in your settings.

  • Service voiding: Modifying a Fulfilled by AutoDS order to the point where it becomes unlocatable (such as changing the Buy Order ID or adding a personal Buyer Account) voids all FBA-related automation services for that specific order, including reorders, returns, and refunds.

Important: To avoid issues with order processing, always verify that all order details are correct before submitting the order to the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation. Once submitted, no changes can be made to the order information.


Technical issues and support

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation provides comprehensive order support according to the current Terms and Conditions. When technical issues arise, our Orders Specialist team works directly with suppliers to resolve problems affecting your deliveries.

Support availability conditions:

If your customer reports not receiving an order, our Orders Specialist will contact the supplier's support team to investigate and resolve the issue, but only when both of these conditions are met:

  • The tracking number was not converted to the appropriate format.

  • Your settings were configured correctly to enable tracking number conversion.

Important support guidelines:

  • Never contact suppliers directly: Users should not reach out to suppliers for any orders processed through the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation, as this can create conflicts with our managed accounts.

  • Contact support for assistance: For any questions, concerns, or status inquiries about Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation orders, contact AutoDS support through the proper support channel.

  • Support time limitation: Support is only available for orders less than 30 days old. Orders older than 30 days are not eligible for assistance.

Click here to learn the proper process for contacting support.

For practical troubleshooting guidance and solutions to common errors when using the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation, click here.


Supported suppliers

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation currently works with specific suppliers to ensure reliable order automation. While we continuously expand our network, the service is not yet available for all suppliers on the AutoDS platform.

Current supplier coverage:

  • US and China warehouses: Most suppliers with warehouses in the United States or China are supported, but the service is not restricted exclusively to the US and China, as we support select suppliers from other regions.

  • Ongoing expansion: We actively work to add more suppliers to the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation based on user demand and technical feasibility.

View the complete list of supported suppliers for the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation here.

If you would like to suggest a supplier for future support, you can submit your recommendation through our Feature Request Page, where our team reviews all suggestions.


Data integrity and availability

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation maintains comprehensive order data while balancing system performance and security requirements. Understanding what information is available and what limitations exist helps you plan your record-keeping appropriately.

System limitations for historical data:

  • 30-day transaction limit: Due to system constraints, we cannot retrieve FBA order transaction details older than 30 days from our managed accounts.

  • Privacy protection: AutoDS will not share certain order information concerning purchases made through our managed accounts to protect account security and maintain supplier relationships.

Information we do not share:

  • Account type used to place the order.

  • Direct supplier contact details or communications.

  • Direct links to orders on supplier websites.

  • Buy Order ID from the supplier's system.

  • Purchase details, such as checkout screenshots or order summaries.

Where to find your order information:

All necessary information for your records and customer support is available through these resources:

  • Downloadable invoices: Access complete order invoices for all Fulfilled by AutoDS orders. Click here to learn how to download invoices for your orders.

  • Managed order balance purchase history: Review all transactions and balance usage in your account.

  • Tracking page screenshots: View proof of tracking information provided for each order.

This approach ensures you have access to all customer-facing information while protecting the integrity and security of our managed accounts.

Click here to learn how to load the managed order balance to your account.


Account management and service impact

Your AutoDS account status directly affects your ability to use the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation your orders helps you make informed decisions about account management.

How account actions affect Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) orders:

  • Store removal impact: Removing stores from your AutoDS account will greatly affect Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) order details, including transaction histories and associated buyer accounts used to place orders.

  • Account pausing or deletion: Pausing or deleting your AutoDS account limits our ability to assist with any Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) orders connected to that account.

  • Service eligibility loss: If you cancel your AutoDS account, you become completely ineligible for any Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation, including reorders, returns, order cancellations, and refunds.

Account reactivation limitations:

You can reactivate a canceled AutoDS account within 14 days by logging in and re-registering with the same email or Google login. However, reactivating the account does not restore FBA service order details, as this information is tied to specific stores. When a store is deleted, the associated order information cannot be recovered, even if you reactivate your account.

Important: Before removing stores or canceling your account, ensure you have downloaded all necessary invoices and order information, as this data cannot be recovered after account or store deletion.


Item personalization and packaging

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation uses an automated system that does not support customizable or personalized items. Understanding these limitations helps you set appropriate expectations with your customers and avoid order issues.

How personalization requests are handled:

  • Orders still process: Even when items require customization, orders will still be processed through our system. However, items will be purchased exactly as they appear on the supplier's website without any customization or personalization.

  • No supplier influence: Since AutoDS is not the supplier, we cannot influence or guarantee any private labeling, packaging customization, or gift additions.

Alternative branding options:

For dropshipping businesses that need branding options, AutoDS offers specific alternatives:

Private supplier gift cards: Through our private suppliers under the AutoDS Marketplace, filtering by AutoDS Suppliers, you can include your store logo on a gift card. To learn more about private suppliers and how to add your branding logo to gift cards, visit these resources:

Print on Demand service: For fully branded products, explore our Print on Demand service, which offers specific items that can be completely customized with your designs and branding.

Learn about creating and selling custom products globally using AutoDS Print on Demand here.


Coupons and discounts

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation cannot guarantee that coupons or price discounts will be successfully applied to your orders. Understanding why coupons may not work helps you set realistic pricing expectations and avoid relying on discounts for your profit margins.

Why the coupon application is inconsistent:

  • Frequent supplier changes: Suppliers like Amazon and AliExpress constantly update their websites, changing how coupons work and making consistent application difficult.

  • System complexity: The technical complexity of our automated system, combined with varying coupon rules across suppliers, creates challenges for reliable discount application.

  • High order volume: Our managed accounts fulfill thousands of orders daily. A coupon that appears available for an item may have already been used on the buyer's account, making it invalid for your order.

  • One-time use restrictions: Most supplier coupons are limited to one use per account, meaning they may not be applicable when your specific order is processed.

Important: Do not rely on coupons or discounts when calculating your profit margins. Always set your pricing based on the full product cost to ensure profitability, regardless of whether a coupon is successfully applied.


Payment and refund policies

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation has specific payment policies designed to maintain system integrity and prevent misuse. Understanding these policies helps you handle your account's managed order balance appropriately and avoid unexpected costs.

Non-refundable payments:

  • Balance is final: Once payment for an order under the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation is sent to your managed order balance, it is not refundable under any circumstances.

  • No balance transfers: Selling the managed order balance or your AutoDS account to another AutoDS user is strictly prohibited and violates our terms.

  • Non-refundable credits: Auto-order credits are non-refundable. No credits will be returned for canceled or returned orders, even if the order is returned to the supplier.

To understand how to load and handle your managed order balance properly, click here.

For information about how auto-order credits work, visit our guide on what auto-order credits are and how they work.


Currency and pricing

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation processes all orders in US Dollars (USD) regardless of your store's currency setting. Understanding how currency works in the system helps you avoid confusion and potential losses from currency conversion.

How pricing works:

  • USD processing: Orders through the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation will always be processed and charged at the value displayed on the AutoDS Orders page in USD.

  • No currency conversion: Regardless of the currency used in your store, the selling price of items will not be converted to USD by our system.

  • Conversion discrepancies: Any discrepancies or losses resulting from currency conversion are not eligible for refund or compensation.

  • Recommended setting: For optimal use of this service, we strongly recommend setting your store's currency to USD to avoid conversion issues.

Example:

  • Selling price: $120 USD in your store.

  • Product cost: $80 USD shown on AutoDS.

  • Currency: Store set to EUR.

  • If your store uses EUR, the displayed prices may not match the actual USD charges, potentially causing confusion. Setting your store to USD ensures price transparency and accurate profit calculations.


Tax policies

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation uses managed accounts that are not tax-exempt, meaning taxes will be added to your final order costs. Understanding our tax policies helps you budget accurately and set appropriate profit margins.

Tax application:

  • Non-exempt accounts: Fulfilled by AutoDS-managed accounts are not tax-exempt, so orders will have taxes added to the final order price based on the buyer's location and applicable tax laws.

  • Service fees: We may deduct fees up to 15% of any order value to cover operational costs.

  • Additional taxes: If additional taxes apply (such as sales tax, customs fees, or import duties), they will be added with no liability to AutoDS.

  • User responsibility: You are solely responsible for any fees, charges, taxes, and levies on amounts you may pay or earn through the website.

  • Tax withholding rights: To comply with applicable law, we reserve the full right to deduct and withhold any applicable charges and taxes from amounts payable to or by users.

Tax confirmation:

Our Orders Team specialists can confirm the exact amount of taxes deducted for a specific order upon request; however, they cannot refund taxes under any circumstances. Taxes are determined by supplier policies, buyer location, and applicable laws.

To account for taxes in your pricing strategy, always add a buffer to your expected costs when calculating profit margins. This ensures taxes and fees do not eliminate your profitability.


Shipping fees

Most suppliers working with the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation do not offer subscription programs that eliminate shipping fees. Understanding how shipping fees work helps you price your products correctly and configure your settings to avoid unexpected costs.

Subscription limitations:

  • Limited subscriptions: Most suppliers we work with don't offer specific subscriptions that remove shipping fees.

  • Price thresholds: Orders will likely be charged for shipping if the item falls below a certain price threshold set by the supplier.

  • Examples of subscriptions: Some suppliers like Walmart+, Sam's Club Plus Membership, and Home Depot Pro Xtra offer fee-free shipping, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.

Amazon Prime shipping considerations

Even though AutoDS maintains Amazon Prime accounts for order fulfillment, rare situations can occur where Prime items still incur shipping fees. Understanding these edge cases helps you prepare for occasional unexpected charges.

When Prime items may have shipping fees:

  • Membership timing: If our automated system processes an order at the exact moment when a Prime membership has expired just before its renewal, shipping fees may apply.

  • Unavoidable situations: These situations are extremely rare and completely unavoidable due to the timing of automated processing and membership renewals.

  • No refunds available: Unfortunately, AutoDS cannot facilitate refunds for any shipping fees in these rare cases.

Preventing shipping fee issues

You can protect your profit margins from unexpected shipping fees by configuring your supplier settings correctly. The Maximum Loss - Profit setting ensures our automated fulfillment system will fail to place an order if its total cost, including shipping fees, exceeds your maximum buy price.

Example of how to use Maximum Loss - Profit:

  • Maximum Buy Price: $50.

  • Product cost: $45.

  • Shipping fee: $8.

  • Total cost: $53.

With Maximum Loss - Profit configured, the system will automatically fail this order because the total cost ($53) exceeds your maximum buy price ($50), protecting you from an unprofitable order.

To learn how to configure this setting and protect your margins, click here to learn about supplier settings and their complete overview.


Tracking and delivery

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation automates order placement but does not directly handle or ship packages. When orders are shipped by reliable carriers, certain tracking inquiries must be directed to the carrier rather than AutoDS support.

When to contact carriers directly:

If an order has a reliable carrier with a valid tracking number (such as Cainiao, USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL), you or your buyer should contact the carrier directly for detailed information about:

  • Current package location and transit status.

  • Expected delivery dates and times.

  • Pickup point locations for customer collection.

  • Delivery attempt information.

  • Any delays or routing changes.

Note: AutoDS cannot provide this information because we do not have direct access to carrier systems or package locations once items are shipped.


Amazon carrier inquiries

When Amazon serves as both the supplier and the carrier responsible for an order's delivery and tracking, the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation offers enhanced support options. Our dedicated Orders Team can contact Amazon Support directly on your behalf to resolve various delivery-related issues.

Support services for Amazon orders:

  • Delivery date confirmation: Verify exact delivery dates when customers need specific timing information.

  • Package status updates: Check the current package status when tracking information is unclear.

  • One-Time Password requests: Obtain OTPs required for secure deliveries in certain locations.

  • Proof of delivery: Request documentation proving a package was delivered when disputes arise.

Important limitation: This support does not guarantee refunds for buyers who claim they did not receive a package, especially when proof shows the package was delivered. Delivery confirmation protects against fraudulent claims but does not automatically result in refunds.


Estimated delivery dates

Delivery dates provided by the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation and suppliers are estimates only and are not guaranteed to be accurate. These estimates are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen and uncontrollable factors that may occur before or during shipment.

Delivery timeframes by supplier:

Each supplier has different estimated delivery dates based on their location, shipping methods, and carrier partnerships:

  • Amazon US Prime: 2-4 business days within the US mainland (may vary outside the mainland but within US territory).

  • Amazon US Non-Prime: 7-30 business days or longer, depending on the individual seller and buyer location.

  • Walmart and Home Depot: 4-7 business days for standard shipping.

  • Chinese suppliers (AliExpress, CJ Dropshipping, Banggood): 30-60 business days or longer for international shipping.

  • Print on Demand, AutoDS Sourcing, and AutoDS Warehouse Marketplace: Refer to the specific product page details for accurate estimated delivery times, as these vary by product and customization requirements.

Important: Always communicate these timeframes clearly to your customers and set realistic expectations to avoid complaints and disputes about delivery times.


Late shipment complaints

When you receive late shipment complaints from your selling channel (such as eBay or Amazon), it's essential to ensure your handling time settings are properly configured to match your supplier's shipping speeds. Incorrect handling times are the primary cause of late shipment complaints.

Recommended handling time settings:

  • US suppliers: Set a handling time of at least 5 days to account for order processing, fulfillment, and initial shipping time.

  • Chinese suppliers: Set an even longer handling time (10-15 days minimum) to account for international processing and shipping initiation.

By configuring appropriate handling times, you prevent your selling channel from expecting faster delivery than your suppliers can provide, reducing late shipment complaints and potential account penalties.

Delivery issues

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation follows specific procedures for handling delivery issues to ensure problems are resolved efficiently while maintaining our service limitations.

Contacting carriers for tracking issues:

As mentioned above, if the tracking number is from a reliable carrier, you or your buyers must contact the logistics office directly for detailed delivery information. AutoDS cannot access carrier systems to provide location updates or delivery estimates.

Requesting replacements for damaged or incorrect items:

If an order was delivered but arrived incorrectly or damaged, you must contact AutoDS support. The supplier's policy requires valid proof before processing any replacement or refund request.

Required proof for replacement requests:

  • Images or videos: Clear photos or videos showing the issue with the product.

  • Specific problem documentation: Evidence that clearly demonstrates the product is damaged, defective, or incorrect.

  • Valid reason: An acceptable reason according to the supplier's return policy.

Important: AutoDS will not open disputes without valid proof from the logistics provider or without clear images of the product issue. Requests submitted without proper documentation or proof will be automatically rejected to maintain the integrity of our supplier relationships and prevent abuse.


Supplier account restrictions

Suppliers and source sites frequently close and restrict access to buyer accounts without prior notice or clear explanation. Understanding these restrictions helps you prepare for situations where service may be temporarily unavailable for certain suppliers.

Why restrictions occur:

  • Common occurrences: Account restrictions happen regularly across all major suppliers and are considered normal business operations.

  • Unavoidable situations: These restrictions are often unavoidable and have no technical workarounds or solutions.

  • Rare reinstatement: Once an account is restricted, reinstatement is extremely rare and often impossible, regardless of appeals.

Impact on service availability

When a supplier restricts access to one of our managed accounts, several limitations automatically apply to all orders processed through that account. These limitations exist because we lose access to the supplier's systems necessary for providing full service.

Service limitations during restrictions:

  • No tracking details: If the supplier restricts our account and prevents retrieving or updating tracking numbers, AutoDS cannot provide alternate tracking numbers.

  • No additional support: Enhanced support services for that supplier become unavailable during the restriction period.

  • No reorders: Reordering the same item becomes impossible until account access is restored.

  • No returns or refunds: Return and refund processing cannot be completed for orders placed through the restricted account.

Service scope clarification: These limitations are outside the scope of the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation. We are not responsible for any issues that may arise from supplier account restrictions, as these actions are entirely controlled by the suppliers themselves and are beyond our influence.

Important: While we work diligently to maintain healthy relationships with all suppliers and minimize restrictions, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service for any specific supplier at all times.


Order cancellation

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation cannot cancel orders once they enter the "In Order Progress" status (white background) or achieve "Ordered" status. Understanding why cancellations are restricted helps you manage customer expectations and implement appropriate policies.

Why cancellations are not possible:

  • Immediate automation: Once an order is confirmed, it immediately enters our automated fulfillment process, making it technically impossible to interrupt or cancel without causing system failures.

  • Status changes don't cancel orders: Changing an order's status to "Canceled" in AutoDS does not mean the order is canceled on our managed account. The order continues processing on the supplier's website.

  • Supplier account protection: Frequent cancellation requests can lead to account restrictions from suppliers, jeopardizing the entire service for all users.

Cancellation policy

To protect the integrity of our supplier accounts and maintain reliable service for all users, we have removed the cancellation option from the platform. This policy ensures our managed accounts remain in good standing with suppliers.

How to handle cancellation requests:

  • Automatic rejection: All cancellation requests are automatically rejected or denied by the system.

  • Decline delivery option: If a buyer requests cancellation and the order is already confirmed, instruct them to decline delivery when the package arrives. Once the order is returned to the sender and we receive a refund from the supplier, AutoDS can then issue a refund to your managed order balance.

  • Standard return process: If the buyer receives the package and cannot decline delivery, they can request a return instead. Once the item is received by the supplier and we receive a refund, AutoDS will issue the refund to your managed order balance.

Important: Always communicate your no-cancellation policy clearly to customers before they purchase to avoid disputes and chargebacks. Consider implementing this policy in your store's terms and conditions and on product pages.


Returns, refunds, and disputes

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation only allows return requests to be initiated after an order has been delivered. This policy aligns with standard supplier practices and ensures returns are processed according to supplier guidelines.

Return eligibility requirements:

  • Delivery confirmation required: A return request can only be initiated on the supplier's website once the order status shows as delivered.

  • Proper submission process: Returns must be submitted through the correct AutoDS support channels following our established procedures.

To understand the complete return process and how to submit return requests properly, click here to learn how return requests work on the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation.

Return rating system

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation implements a return rating system to maintain healthy supplier relationships and prevent abuse of return privileges. Your return rating is a critical metric that directly affects your ability to request returns.

How return rating works:

  • Calculation method: Your return rating is calculated as a percentage of returns against your lifetime orders through the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation.

  • Maximum threshold: 5% return rate is the maximum allowed percentage.

  • Service suspension: If your return rating reaches or exceeds 5%, all new return requests will be automatically denied.

  • Reinstatement: Returns are allowed again only when your percentage drops below 5% through additional successful orders.

What counts toward your return rating:

  • Every return request with "Return Pending" status counts toward your limit, regardless of whether it's approved or completed.

  • Repeated requests for the same order after a failed attempt also increase your total count.

  • The rating considers your complete order history, not just recent orders.

To improve your return rate and maintain eligibility for return services, click here to learn proven strategies for improving your business return rate.


Item return frequency limits

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation monitors return patterns for individual products to identify items with persistent quality or description issues. When a single item generates excessive returns, it becomes ineligible for the service to protect our supplier relationships.

Frequency threshold:

If more than five return requests are made for the same item within a single month, that specific item becomes ineligible for the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation going forward. This policy applies even if you are different users requesting returns for the same product.

Important: Monitor which products generate returns and consider removing items with high return rates from your store to avoid losing FBA service eligibility for those products.


Return window

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation enforces strict return windows based on delivery dates to align with supplier policies and maintain system efficiency. Understanding these windows helps you communicate accurate return policies to your customers.

Return eligibility timeframe:

  • 30-day maximum: Orders are not eligible for return after 30 days from the delivery date.

  • Automatic rejection: Return requests for orders older than 30 days are automatically rejected by the system.

  • Applies regardless of supplier policy: This 30-day limit applies to all suppliers unless the supplier's own return window is shorter or they don't accept returns at all.

Important: Always communicate this 30-day return window clearly to your customers in your store policies to avoid disputes about return eligibility.


Original label requirement

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation provides specific return labels for each approved return request. Using only the original label provided by AutoDS is mandatory to ensure returns are processed correctly and refunds are issued.

Label requirements:

  • Original label only: Returns must use the original return label provided by AutoDS through our system.

  • No alternative methods: If you or your customer uses a different shipping method, label, or carrier than provided, the return is automatically rejected and becomes non-refundable.

  • No exceptions: This policy has no exceptions to maintain tracking integrity and prevent fraud.

Always ensure your customers understand they must use only the return label provided by AutoDS to qualify for a refund. Using personal shipping labels or alternative carriers will result in automatic rejection.


Refund processing

The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation processes refunds according to specific timelines and methods to ensure accuracy and compliance with supplier policies. Understanding how refunds work helps you manage customer expectations appropriately.

Refund destination and timing:

  • Managed order balance only: Refunds for returned orders are processed exclusively to your managed order balance, never directly to bank accounts or payment methods.

  • Supplier processing time: Suppliers typically process refunds within 7-14 days from when the item arrives back at their warehouse.

  • AutoDS issuance timing: AutoDS issues the refund to your managed order balance only once we receive the refund from the supplier.

  • Automatic rejection: If an item is not refundable or returnable according to the supplier's policy, the return request is automatically rejected.

Your discretion for customer refunds:

Issuing a refund to your buyer before AutoDS processes the refund from the supplier is completely at your discretion and should be based on your store's policy and customer service approach. Some businesses choose to refund customers immediately for satisfaction, while others wait for AutoDS to process the refund first.


Return responsibility

Each supplier has unique return and refund policies that govern how returns are processed through the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation. Understanding these differences is crucial for managing your product selection and customer expectations.

User responsibility:

  • Research required: You are fully responsible for researching supplier return and refund policies before listing items in your store.

  • No policy overrides: AutoDS cannot override supplier-specific rules, policies, or restrictions.

  • Risk assessment: Consider the return policies of each supplier when deciding which products to sell, especially for categories with historically higher return rates.

Important: Not all suppliers accept returns, and some have restrictive policies that may not align with your customer service goals. Always verify a supplier's return policy before adding their products to your store.


Supplier-specific return guidelines

Different suppliers have different return policies, fees, and procedures. The table below outlines specific conditions and limitations for major suppliers supported by the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation.

Amazon

The Amazon return specifications are listed below:

  • Return eligibility: Returns only for orders $10 or above.

  • Return rate limit: We've set a 3% return rate limit for our Amazon-managed accounts (calculated from all managed orders). Return requests exceeding this rate will be automatically denied to protect account health.

  • Account suspension impact: No returns, refunds, or reorders if the Amazon account is closed or restricted.

  • Gift return option: If our account gets suspended, you may return the item using your own Amazon account as a gift.

  • Risk disclaimer: To prevent similar situations, consider implementing a "No Returns" policy or using the Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) automation at your own risk, understanding that returns are not guaranteed, even for Prime items, and you are responsible for any additional costs.

  • Refund with suspended account: If a return label was provided and the order delivered, but the account is subsequently suspended, a refund will only be issued upon email confirmation from Amazon.

  • Return label types: You'll typically receive a UPS drop-off label from our system. If UPS is not available for a particular return, another suitable service will be automatically chosen. It's not possible to request a specific type of return label.

Amazon refund declination reasons:

Amazon might decline refunds for several reasons:

  • Item returned without authorization or outside the return window.

  • Returned item damaged, used, or not in original condition.

  • Item falls under non-returnable categories (certain electronics, software, and personal care items).

  • Return initiated after policy deadline.

Refund timing: Refunds are only processed once the supplier (Amazon) issues them to our managed account.

Returnless refunds: If Amazon issues a returnless refund, no return label will be provided, and the item can be kept, donated, or disposed of. This is rare and limited to low-value items where return shipping costs exceed item value.

Late delivery returns: If the item is delivered after the 30-day return period, no refund will be issued.

Restocking fees: Amazon may charge restocking fees for certain categories (typically electronics), which will be deducted from your refund amount.


Walmart and Home Depot

The Walmart and Home Depot return specifications are listed below:

  • Account restrictions: Despite not being too strict, accounts can be flagged or banned, disabling the return and refund ability.

  • Third-party seller policies: If purchased from a third-party seller, different policies may apply. AutoDS does not guarantee a return label in these cases.

  • Electronics and luxury items: Electronics and luxury items from Walmart Marketplace and third-party sellers have a 14-day return policy instead of the standard 30 days.

  • Check listings carefully: Always check product listings for their specific return policies before adding items to your store. AutoDS can contact third-party sellers directly, but cannot guarantee a return label will be provided.

  • In-store returns: There are cases when an item may still be returnable, but no label is available from the supplier, and the item must be returned in-store only.

Options for in-store only returns:

  1. Request that the buyer return the item in-store and provide a receipt showing the refund. Upon verification, AutoDS will issue a refund to your managed order balance.

  2. Deny the return and issue a refund to the buyer at your discretion based on your store policy.


AliExpress, Banggood, Alibaba, and other Chinese suppliers

The AliExpress, Banggood, Alibaba, and other Chinese suppliers' return specifications are listed below:

  • International shipping limitations: Most items ship from China, so free returns are not guaranteed due to high international shipping costs.

  • US warehouse exception: Some suppliers have US warehouses, but this is not common. Returns from US warehouses may have different policies.

  • Return cost deduction: If applicable, return shipping costs may be deducted from your managed order balance once you have approved and accepted this condition.

  • Proof requirements: The supplier's policy requires proof (such as photos or videos of the item's issue) and a valid reason to start a return dispute.

  • Invalid reasons: "I don't like the item" or "Changed my mind" are not considered valid reasons for returns from Chinese suppliers.

  • No disputes without proof: AutoDS will not open disputes without valid proof and an acceptable reason according to supplier policy.

  • Dispute timeline: The outcome and timeframe of the dispute cannot be guaranteed. The process involves a back-and-forth exchange with the seller or supplier to review and resolve the issue, which can take several weeks.

  • Alternative return instructions: In certain situations, sellers may not provide a return label and instead offer specific return instructions.

When alternative instructions are provided:

  1. The customer must ship the item back to the provided address at their own expense.

  2. Provide AutoDS with the tracking number for the return shipment.

  3. Once the seller confirms receipt and processes the refund, AutoDS will issue the refund to your managed order balance.

Important: Always set clear expectations with customers about potential return costs and longer processing times when selling products from Chinese suppliers.

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